RE: learning 3d, what happens upon flameout?
altitude is your friend to an extent when hovering. consider this though. if you are on the deck and it flames out or you get a case of the dumb thumbs, it is not far to fall. so depending on how tough the plane is you could fare pretty well. the other argument for low is that it is easier to see small movements and corrections when it is low and close to you. on the other hand, there is zero time to correct if ya blow it. sims help a lot with getting your thumbs "programmed" to how the plane is gonna reac in different attitudes. and foamies are a pretty good learning tool as well. have fun either way.